Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Independent Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 7 January 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 January 2015. It was answered by Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 January 2015 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Israel

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding compensation for the uprooting of 5,000 olive trees in agricultural lands east of Turmusayya.

Answer: We have not raised this specific issue with the Israeli authorities, however we hold the Israeli authorities responsible for enforcing the rule of law and to provide the appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population. We note the particular sensitivities around olive trees given their status as a national symbol and the sole source of income for many Palestinian farmers. The Palestinian economy needs a productive olive industry.

Secondary information